What Are the Benefits of Omega 3 DHA?

Salmon is a prime source of omega-3 DHA. (Image: Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks)

You may have heard that eating fish makes people smart--and there is truth to that. Omega-3 consists of two fatty acids, one of which is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is essential for the optimal functioning of many parts and processes of the body, including brain activity.

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Brain Activity

Omega-3 DHA is necessary for ideal neuronal functioning, as it interacts with cell membranes to optimize learning. It is also a key ingredient in infant brain development.

Eyesight

The densest concentration of Omega 3-DHA is found at the back of the retina, where it helps the pigment rhodobsin respond to visual stimulation so you see things quickly.

Cardiovascular Health

An increase in Omega-3 DHA, along with the other Omega-3 fatty acid, EPA, lowers heart rate and reduces the risk of fatal cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and heart attacks.

Cholesterol

Incorporating Omega-3 into your diet lowers cholesterol and increases the good type of cholesterol, HDL.

Memory

Although medical professionals still debate about whether DHA effectively treats or prevents Alzheimer's, in a memory improvement study at the Martek Biosciences Corporation, Karin Yurko-Mauro, PhD, found that taking DHA supplements improved the memory of individuals suffering from mild memory problems.